Dunham Report: FBI criticised for Russia-Trump investigation
A highly anticipated report by special counsel John Durham has sharply criticised the FBI’s handling of the investigation into alleged ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign. The 306-page report concluded that the agency’s inquiry lacked “analytical rigour” and that there was no “actual evidence” of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia before launching the investigation. The report also highlighted instances of “confirmation bias” and noted disparities in the FBI’s treatment of the Trump and Clinton investigations. The FBI stated that it had already implemented corrective measures in response to the report’s findings.
While the investigation led to criminal charges against several Trump campaign staff and associates, including computer hacking and financial crimes, it did not establish collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia to influence the election. Former President Trump, who has long claimed unfair targeting by the “Deep State,” expressed on his social media platform that the report vindicated his position. However, the report fell short of the anticipated blockbuster revelations sought by Trump allies. The investigation resulted in three prosecutions, including an FBI attorney who pleaded guilty to altering evidence during the application for surveillance permission.
The release of the Durham report is expected to keep the spotlight on Mr Durham and his investigation, as House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan announced plans to call him to testify before Congress about his work.
